Maria Leon grew up in Paso Bajo in Jalisco, Mexico. After moving to Texas as a young adult nearly 30 years ago, Maria opened Taquerias El Alteño.

Maria quickly built a reputation for the best, most authentic carne asada in the East End. Even today the Orden de Carne Asada tops their list of house specialties and is served with all of the traditional accompaniments: frijoles de la olla, cheese, nopales, lettuce, tomato and avocado.

Though the menu is fairly large—covering breakfast, lunch and dinner options—almost every entree is done in the "Estilo Jalisco," meaning in a style representing the vast culinary traditions of the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

On the weekends, El Alteño hosts live music and karaoke. Free Wi-Fi access is available and the Drive-Thru window makes grabbing an authentic taste of Mexico-on-the-go available to those who don't have time to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.